Britons Back the UK’s Tough Stance on Russia—even if it hikes our energy bills
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is rolling out new sanctions on Russia, and the public’s backing stays keen. A fresh Ipsos poll shows 74 % of Brits vouch for the government tightening the economic hammer on Moscow—a figure almost unchanged from the 78 % seen in March.
Energy headaches, but we’re still on the fence
- Two‑thirds (≈ 66 %) support sanctions even if prices jump—down 7 points from March.
How we’re helping Ukraine
- 62 % (down 3 points) want to back Ukraine with humanitarian aid—think refugees, food, medical supplies.
- Only 24 % back military action; a quiet minority of 13 % say Britain should stay out.
What’s worrying us the most?
- 90 % worry about Ukrainian civilians.
- 83 % fear the war’s toll on the UK economy.
- 74 % worry about national security.
- In total, 57 % feel the invasion might personally affect them.
Admiration for a resilient president
President Zelenskyy remains a darling—78 % think he’s a rockstar at steering Ukraine, unchanged from March.
Do we trust our leaders?
- About 37 % say Boris is doing a good job (+5 pts), 30 % say he’s doing a bad job (-8 pts), and 27 % are undecided.
- For President Biden, 32 % think he’s handling it well, 24 % believe he isn’t, and 33 % remain noncommittal.
- When it comes to the UK Government and the EU as a whole, 39 % and 40 % respectively feel they’re doing the job well (+3 pts and +5 pts).
- Conversely, 24 % think the UK is falling short (-9 pts), and 19 % think the EU is slipping (-5 pts).
Our curiosity stays sharp
Nearly all—84 %—keep tabs on the war’s developments, while only 14 % are drifting away from the headlines.
Insurgent views from Ipsos
“While the war rages on, the majority of the British public continues to support economic sanctions and humanitarian aid for Ukraine,” says Keiran Pedley, Director of Research, Ipsos. “However, support for military action remains low and there are signs of a softening stance on sanctions if energy prices climb, reflecting growing concerns over the cost of living.”
